The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-08-09
feast OF ST. DOMINIC.
IMPOSING CEREDONIES BY THE
FATHERS OF ST. PETERS,.
PanegyrIc In Honor Of the Founder
Of the Order Delivered BY the
Rev. FaIher Ryan.

| founder Of their order. IL has been
the custom Of so doing ever since the
Dominican Fathers existed, from The
time their author had died. And ft-
tingy 80, since 1t serves to increase
love and venerstion for the founder,
and the desire and purpose to fulfill
the intention oftbeir organic alton, and
pereevere In the work which st. DOM
inic began. 1t has no doubt been In
i's annual recurrence Of effective ben.
eff 10 the fathers Of g.. Peters church.
In the past II has served to nerve and
strengthen them to minister to the
plague stricken, and in tina present TO
labor earnestly for the people and TO
overcome the fnanclal burdens with
which they are oppressed.
Toe affairs and sanctuary OF the
church, though beautiful In them
selves, had their beauty enhanced by
the tasteful adornment OF rare and
fair flowers and plants which made
mere distinct their fairness. The com.
bination Of flowers and lights rendered
suitable the place on which should be
made homage to g ID and honor to his
Saint. The frst mass. at $3.50 o'clock,
was celebrated by Father Ryan, at
which there were numerous COM
municanis on occasion CT the
feast day. The second mass,
at . O'Clock, was celebrated
by Father Eielen. At the late macs,
which was q solemn high mas, the
oelebrant was The Very Rev. Father
Francis. OF the Franciscan Order,
with Fathers Edelen and Asbfield O.
deacon and snbdeicon res )ectively.
A very magnificent spectacle was pre-
scented with the richly vested minis.
tsrs and the numerous acolytes, above
all rising the incense waited to God.
The music WAS difficult end fully
equal to the usual standard Of the
music at 81. Peters Church.
The Panegyric. Ia honor OF st.
Dominic, Was delivered by the Rev.
Father Ryan. The Rev. Father took
a. his text the first portion Of the third
chapter Of the Book Of Exodus.
We are, my dear brethren. assem-
hled here today with veneiating ad
miration 10 celebrate the Feast OF St.
Dominic.
With Arst view, Il would seem in.
appropriate for one OF bis own disci-
plies TO sound ~. Dominic's praises, or
give true portrayal Of his character
and greatness. since the familiarity OF
relation 10 supposed 10 beget want Of
Tus appreciation; yet what more
meet that the son should
praise the father who can
speak more effectively and truly OF
the parent. or dwell with more pleas.
ure ON his many eIcellences on the
good OF his lie and deeds, than the
child. The tone of the present age is
TO depreciate monks and monasticism.
The world at large ridicnles the life
Of the monk. II beme,ns him with
igaominy, considers him either of lee
BILE intellect or COARSE aspirations; his
lie is q mistake. Q wasts, q de1rdi-
nation Of the purpose OF mans crea-
ton. But by such judgment the
world exhibits its thoushtlessness and
Inconsistency; nay, even worse, its
ignorance and folly. IL praises and
exalts men who obtcure them.
selves from society. or use the
days OF their liveJ 10 work out some
material and scientific invenlio TO
lest but for time, whereas the monk
prepares himself 10 work out eternal
good for himself and his fellow man.
Yet neither docs he neglect kno wledge,
the sciences, or Whatsoever that can
enlarge or ennoble bis intellect, and
standing before you today | eau tAiely
sueri, In full gladnets and ruth, es
sisted by the sincere conviction OF sv-
cry student Of history, that tho monk
has proved himself In the pas, and
present ages, equal TO others In all
sciences, In art and literature, and SUI
perior 10 all In the majority, and 10
his eternal glory he has been 80, not
for 90 flsh, vain, worldly molivee, but
for the honor Of God and the good OF
his fellow men. The monk Is essen.
tally q man Of the people, and for the
people, n brother OF the miferable and
Of these In lower stations OF life, the
equal Of and companion Of those more
elevated, yet always the cultpred gen.
tleman, superior and father Of all. His
soothing, healing IL flueace, and wise,
correct counsel have been felt, listened
10 aud obeyed by many weary ,doub..
Ing tempett tossed heart ard mind.
The superficial knowledge, the SUI
peThclal prog ess ri the preeent are
derides aud oonten.us monasiicism. La
90 doing Ignorance and narrow.
mindedneas, and n want Of true APP
prehension VI history and the philoso.
ply of human atiAirs are displayed.
We are ell aware OF the absolute ne.
ceesity that there should be In our
midst, In our Individual and political
government, a conservative influence
whereby We shall act aud decree only
alter mature elaboration, safely and
prudently. Such Ia the intention and
effect OF monastlcism amidst MS, In
the impulses OF our passions, In the
inconsidera,e sfiots Of our iatelleci
among humanity a, lsrge. The great
eet and tIueet among the statesmen,
philosophers and scholars OF our aga,
have declared the insslim able benedi
monasticltm has done 10 society,
science and political government, both
directly and Indirectly by their word.
a d deeds. IL 10 the one silent op'
poser Of the impulslve, chaotic
progreIe, rushing rampant through
ne, heedless OF aueht but what ID
material, men forgetting their God
has given them their talents and Ina.
telleci, forgetting they are but tho In.
sirumentso Of that God.
Today wherever on the globe lives,
labore and suffers son Of ~. Domi'
mic Ia celebrated the memory OF his
father, whose lie and deeds confound
the enemies Of our priesthood, on
mon khood and our church. lie Was
one Of those meteorlike characters
that speed through the world At each
fge, scattering its sparks In our midst,
reminding us that u Il God sent, on.
tightening ne Of the evil in which wa
are coping, the dangers thai Surround
ne, lighting our Ia'h 10 q better hfe.
delivering u,. Providence has alvays
unaffected lie guidance aud protection
oi us by ssndlDs % leaders whereby
We are delivered from the evils which
oppress NJ and the dangers which